Let me tell you ... there's something truly exciting going on this July 4. A lot of organizations, businesses, and individuals, for that matter, are enthusiastically celebrating Independence Day this year who have been relatively quiet in past years. And they are celebrating for the right reason, too ... not merely because it is a holiday, but because it is a very important day in the history of the United States of America.
Since World War II, at least, July 4 celebrations have been mostly conducted by veterans.
Immediately after World War II July 4 in Hall County usually meant a big parade through downtown Gainesville with bands and military units and flyovers and dignitaries. Veterans from World War I and World War II often donned their uniforms (at least those who could still get in them) and joined the parade. These were big and lively events, and very patriotic. Then during the Vietnam era patriotism cooled and the parades faded. But America's veterans kept the flame alive, and 39 years ago Post 7 of the American Legion insisted that the July 4 tradition would not die in Hall County, and they started fireworks over Lake Lanier. Then last year came 9-11 and now we are fighting the war against terrorism, and patriotism is back.
This July 4, 2002 - the American Legion and Riverside Military Academy will again welcome one and all to fireworks and a celebration of American independence and once again we will patriotically be thankful that we are free Americans.
This is Gordon Sawyer, from a window on historic Green Street.
Monday
August 4th, 2025
6:04AM
